Helping with Maths

Helping your child with maths

As with reading, try to make maths as much fun as possible - games, puzzles and jigsaws are a great way to start. It's also important to show how we use maths skills in our everyday lives and to involve your child in this.

Identifying problems and solving them can also help your child develop maths skills. If you see him or her puzzling over something, talk about the problem and try to work out the solution together.

Don't shy away from maths if you didn’t like it at school. Try to find new ways to enjoy the subject with your child.

Tips for helping your child to enjoy maths:

Point out the different shapes to be found around your home.

Take your child shopping and talk about the quantities of anything you buy.

Let your child handle money and work out how much things cost.

Look together for numbers on street signs and car registration plates.

Tips for good homework habits

Do find a quiet place at home to use as a homework area. It needs a flat surface, a good light source and the right equipment eg pens, pencils, ruler, scissors, glue.

Do be aware of modern teaching methods, eg in long division.

Do plan a homework timetable and agree on when your child will do their homework.

Do allow your child to have something nutritional to eat before starting on homework.

Do discuss any homework tasks with your child and how it connects with what they are studying at school.

Do turn off the TV - but you could have music on if they find it helpful.

Don't give your child the answer in order to get a task finished.

Don't teach your child methods you used at school. It could confuse them.

Don't let homework become a chore. Keep it fun and make it a special time that you both look forward to.